Quote:
Originally Posted by austinbrown2  To ADKing: I appreciate your post. And to be honest, that resonates with me.
Do you think there is a place, whatsoever, for fantasy magic (be it magical weapons, special abilities or mages that can conjure up fireballs, etc.) that doesn't fall under the biblical category of sorcery, etc., and would therefore be something different and permissible?
Along these lines, might playing, say, Magic the Gathering, not prove to be fantasizing about things sinful? I know that my friends don’t consider the game or playing the game an engagement in the real thing, nor an engagement in fantasizing about doing real sorcery.
A few more questions. And please consider these honest and sincere questions. What about something like Lord of the Rings and the magic in that? Would it be wrong for a Christian to write in that manner or pretend to use such magic or magical weapons in a game?
Lastly, might a change in universe alter the circumstances of magic? By change in universe, I’m thinking of a fantasy realm created in literature or gaming environments. If the magic in those worlds aren’t tapping into satanic powers or engaging in what would be equivalent to our real world circumstances surrounding divination and witchcraft and the like, then would they be operating under a different system and not fall under the warning of Scripture? This may smack of 'trying to justify' and maybe it is. But it's a thought. Frankly, I enjoy fantasy. There's a part of me that would dislike chucking it all. But if it's wrong, I will. But if it's not, then I would like to spend my recreational time playing them.
Just some thoughts and questions.
Thank you,
Austin |
Brother, your questions do come across as sincere and honest. It is refreshing to see a fellow Christian genuinely wrestle though the issue with a desire to please God.
First of all, let me say that I am not opposed to fiction as such. Neither am I sure that I can give a comprehensive answer to all your (very good) questions. But let me start with the principle from which I depart. Too often, we as Christians try to "find the line" when it comes to the law. But in addition to being commanded to refrain from certain sinful acivities (
and the appearances of them) we
also are given positive commands to fulfill, such as I quoted from Philippians 4 above.
Negatively: We know magic, sorcery etc. are forbidden. But there is more than the overt act included. Consider the following guidlines of interpeting the law (from Q&A 99 in the Westminster Larger Catechism).
2. That it (i.e. the law) is spiritual, and so reaches the understanding,
will, affections, and all other powers of the soul; as well as words, works, and gestures.
6. That under one sin or duty, all of the same kind are forbidden or commanded;
together with all the causes, means, occasions, and appearances thereof, and provocations thereunto.
7. That: What is forbidden or commanded to ourselves, we are bound, according to our places, to endeavor that it may be avoided or performed by others, according to the duty of their places.
8. That in: What is commanded to others, we are bound, according to our places and callings, to be helpful to them; and to take heed of partaking with others in: What is forbidden them.
I am afraid that games like D&D and Magic the Gathering come too close to being able to meet the above guidlines.
But secondly, we are also told that in addition to avoiding the negatives in the law we must also fulfill the positive commandments such as Philippians 4.
We must have our minds and affections conformed to God's. We must hate what he hates and love (positively) what he loves.
I realize this doesn't get to your specifics, but I think they are helpful principles when thinking critically through these issues. May God give you grace and wisdom as you continue to seek to do his will.